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Monday, November 28, 2011

Plantable Paper and Giveaway

***The giveaway has ended. Scroll down to see who won!***

Perhaps you've heard of plantable paper, but haven't ever had the chance to experience it. Neither had I, but that changed recently when Botanical PaperWorks sent me a package of handmade sheets with wildflowers seeds sown throughout. The rustic sheets are lovely - hefty in weight, but not too thick to be workable, and they come in rich colors and pastels.

It's the birthday of oldest son's girlfriend (of thumbprint paper cuts fame), so I made some folded roses to decorate this gift bag for her. Plantable paper is good for rose making because it softens when handled, giving a nice look to the folds. By the way, the paper isn't a bit messy to work with... in other words, the seeds stay put.

If you find it a bit sad that gorgeous holiday cards usually wind up in a landfill, then plantable cards might be right up your eco-friendly alley. Botanical PaperWorks also sent along a set of pretty cardinal cards. I hope the recipients will plant them in pots placed under a grow light for continued holiday cheer or put them aside until spring sunshine has warmed the soil. The seeds grow and the paper composts... soon they'll have this!

I came across a very nice video from Rena of The Cheese Thief blog that shows how to make a nifty woven ornament. I crimped some French blue and yellow plantable strips and got started... much gnashing of teeth ensued. I suppose mine does look somewhat like Rena's, but I won't admit to how long it took - hah! I'm sure the next one will be easier.

Not only are wildflower seeds used in the products... some of the papers contain herb or vegetable seeds. It's satisfying to know that plantable paper is made from recycled post-consumer waste collected from local offices and schools.

Place cards are usually thrown away when an event is over, but in this case they can go home with the guests and spring to new life once planted... a lovely reminder of the occasion. A butterfly punch, gel pen, and calligraphy marker... so simple.

Now about that giveaway!

Botanical PaperWorks will award one person in the U.S. or Canada a $25 gift certificate to use in their online store and will include a coil bound eco-calendar with the winner's order. (International readers, so sorry to leave you out this time, but there will be a worldwide giveaway coming up before too long.)

Plantable confetti - throw and grow!

Visit Botanical PaperWorks and leave a comment below to enter. Earn an extra entry by liking the PaperWorks Facebook page. The winner will be announced on Sunday. Good luck!

By the way, the company is currently offering free shipping through December 14 to Canada and U.S. addresses with a minimum purchase requirement - see website for details.

Congratulations to Tara! Her name was selected by a random number generator and she has been notified by email. Thanks so much to all who took the time to enter.

I am so happy to learn about Botanical Paperworks! I will happily give occassion cards to people knowing they will serve a useful, thoughtful purpose, and not just be thrown away with the general trash. Thanks for bringing this product to my attention :)

hi ann, i always enjoy my visits here (not just when you give free stuff away :P)... that elephant on the notebook reminds me so much of my recent doodle of a squirrel with paisleys. love the products! and i've been looking for an interesting paper project to make related to the holidays, so i think i may give that ornament a go... hopefully less teeth gnashing will ensue. perhaps i should wear my attractive mouth guard. teehee!

What a great idea although I can imagine some people might have a difficult time throwing out a card for sentimental reasons. I would love to play with some of these papers!!! I will be liking their Facebook page, too!

Wow - I love all Botanical Paper Works products!!! What a fabulous company! I like them on Facebook. And if I had to choose just one product as a favorite, I would go with the Think & Write & Grow Plantable Journal: Pink Dandelion

Ann, What a great concept...plantable paper!!!I love your folded roses decoration on the gift bag, the colours are sweet and the folds are gorgeous.....folded roses are something I can't seem to do! Thanks for the link to the folded bauble, I love how you have crimped paper in your decoration.Licia

Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments, we are just so happy to see all of them.

Jenny - We're sorry you had some issues with shipping costs to Australia! Unfortunately, we're not quite ready to ship there yet, but if you keep an eye on our Facebook page, we'll let you know as soon as we are!

I love this paper! I wanted to get something like this when I got married for the invitations but it didn't work out. I'd love to use this paper for crafts though. Think of the things you could make that you know people just throw away after they get, it would be wonderful to know that they can plant the cards or things you make and enjoy them as plants after they enjoy the paper!

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